Versatile linebacker has UF among top options

Published: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:17 p.m.

After attending Friday Night Lights as a spectator last week, Jeffery Holland knew he would have options at Florida.

A 2015 linebacker from Jacksonville Trinity Christian, Holland was able to speak with Gator coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin about where he fits in Florida's defense.

At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Holland believes his versatility would allow him to potentially play either inside or outside linebacker positions for the school of his choice.

“We talked about the future and all the schemes on defense,” Holland said. “They said I could play at any of three linebackers, because I'm athletic and fast. So that's a plus.”

Holland, who along with UF, owns offers from 10 other SEC schools, did not have any early favorite schools to list in his recruitment but said Florida is going to be a “top school” when he narrows down his choices.

“I grew up liking Florida,” Holland said. “It's going to be one of my options.”

Though Holland chose not to participate in the evening's drills, he was able to spend time with his former Trinity Christian teammate Nick Washington. A freshman safety for the Gators, Washington enrolled at Florida this summer.

Holland stayed with Washington in Gainesville until Sunday before returning home. In the fall, Holland plans to attend every Florida home game.

“I love talking with (Washington), and he said the coaches are taking care of him down here,” Holland said. “He says they take care of you and it's like home. Right down the street from Jacksonville, so he said he likes it.”

<p>After attending Friday Night Lights as a spectator last week, Jeffery Holland knew he would have options at Florida.</p><p>A 2015 linebacker from Jacksonville Trinity Christian, Holland was able to speak with Gator coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin about where he fits in Florida's defense.</p><p>At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Holland believes his versatility would allow him to potentially play either inside or outside linebacker positions for the school of his choice.</p><p>“We talked about the future and all the schemes on defense,” Holland said. “They said I could play at any of three linebackers, because I'm athletic and fast. So that's a plus.”</p><p>Holland, who along with UF, owns offers from 10 other SEC schools, did not have any early favorite schools to list in his recruitment but said Florida is going to be a “top school” when he narrows down his choices.</p><p>“I grew up liking Florida,” Holland said. “It's going to be one of my options.”</p><p>Though Holland chose not to participate in the evening's drills, he was able to spend time with his former Trinity Christian teammate Nick Washington. A freshman safety for the Gators, Washington enrolled at Florida this summer.</p><p>Holland stayed with Washington in Gainesville until Sunday before returning home. In the fall, Holland plans to attend every Florida home game.</p><p>“I love talking with (Washington), and he said the coaches are taking care of him down here,” Holland said. “He says they take care of you and it's like home. Right down the street from Jacksonville, so he said he likes it.”</p>